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Michigan
25

Michigan State Parks

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Michigan
Northeast Region
Black Lake State Forest
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BLACK LAKE STATE FOREST
BLACK LAKE STATE FOREST
50 sites for tent and small trailer use, 16 of these are lake front camping sites. Enjoy a variety of recreational activities and outdoor opportunities around scenic Black Lake. Rustic campground includes vault toilets and potable water from well hand pump. Sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations. Check with State Forest Campground Manager for seasonal availability. Campground offers barrier-free facilities.
History of the Area
Black Lake State Forest is a state-owned forest located in Michigan's Northern Lower Peninsula. The history of the forest dates back to the late 19th century when Michigan began acquiring land for the purpose of sustainable timber farming and conservation.

In the late 1800s, the area that is now Black Lake State Forest was densely covered with virgin timber. Logging operations were carried out extensively in the region, and the valuable resources were harvested and transported to nearby mills. This activity significantly impacted the natural landscape and forests of the area.

To address the issue of deforestation and promote sustainable forestry practices, the Michigan Legislature established the State Land Office in 1920. This office was responsible for acquiring and managing land for the state's interests, including establishing state forests. Over the years, the State Land Office, along with the Michigan Department of Conservation and later the Department of Natural Resources, acquired numerous parcels of land in the area that would become Black Lake State Forest.

The specific timeline of land acquisitions and the establishment of Black Lake State Forest is not widely documented. However, by the mid-20th century, the forest was established and began to be managed for multiple uses, including logging, wildlife habitat conservation, and public recreation.

Black Lake State Forest covers approximately 67,000 acres and is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. It offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The forest is also home to the 10,130-acre Black Lake, which is the state's seventh-largest inland lake and offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities.

The history of Black Lake State Forest is closely tied to Michigan's efforts to conserve and sustainably manage its forest resources while providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
Passes
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.
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Location
Black Lake State Forest is located near Cheboygan

Trails
1. Black Lake Trail: This is a 5-mile loop trail that circles the scenic Black Lake, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding forest. The terrain varies from flat to slightly hilly with some rocky sections.

2. Lost Twin Lakes Pathway: A moderate difficulty level hiking path spanning over 3 miles through dense hardwood forests leading towards two secluded lakes in the heart of this state park.

3. Shingle Mill Pathway: An approximately 11 mile long pathway featuring beautiful wildflowers during spring and summer months; it's also popular for bird watching activities due its diverse avian population.

4. High Country Pathway (HCP): It's an extensive multi-use trail system covering about 80-miles within Pigeon River State Forest area which includes parts of Black Lake State Forest as well - suitable for experienced hikers looking forward to multiple days hike or backpacking adventure.

5. Towerman's Watch Nature Trail: Short yet rewarding half-a-mile nature walk providing panoramic view points overlooking vast stretches of woodland areas along with interpretive signs explaining local flora & fauna.

6. Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area Trails: Comprises several short trails totaling around three miles winding across wetlands, meadows and woodlands - great spot for wildlife viewing especially waterfowl species.

7. Silver Creek Pathfinder Loop: Approximately six-mile-long moderately challenging trek traverses mixed deciduous-coniferous woods alongside picturesque creekside landscapes.

8. Inspiration Point Hiking Route: Roughly one-and-half mile steep climb leads up to 'Inspiration point' known best for breathtaking sunset vistas against backdrop off expansive wilderness vista.

9. Mud Turtle Pond Walkabout Track: Easygoing quarter-of-a:mile stroll encircling serene pond setting amidst lush greenery ideal choice families young children.

10. North Central Michigan Rail:trail: Converted rail-to-trail stretching nearly sixty-two miles passing through various terrains including farmlands, forests and small towns; suitable for long distance hikers or bikers..

11. Pigeon River Discovery Trail: A 1-mile loop trail that takes you through a variety of habitats including wetlands, upland forest and old growth white pine stands with interpretive signs along the way.

12. Green Timbers Trails: Network of multiple trails totaling around twenty miles crisscrossing vast tracts preserved wilderness area featuring diverse ecosystems from marshes to hardwood ridges - popular among birdwatchers & nature photographers alike.

13. Black Mountain Recreation Area Pathways: Comprising over thirty:miles worth interconnected pathways offering range activities like hiking, mountain biking horseback riding across varied landscapes such as meadows, hillsides dense woodlands.

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Area Campgrounds
Indian River RV Resort Campground
561 N Straits Highway
Indian River, MI
231-238-0035
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort
2201 E M-68
Indian River, MI
231-238-8259
Waterways Campground
9575 M-33 Highway
Cheboygan, MI

Directions
11 miles North of Onaway via M-211, Co Road 489, Black Mt Road and Doriva Beach Road.

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Michigan
25

Michigan State Parks

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